Caleb Komolafe Reveals Interesting Pregame Ritual Before Northwestern Games

Caleb Komolafe Reveals Interesting Pregame Ritual Before Northwestern Games

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Caleb Komolafe Reveals Interesting Pregame Ritual Before Northwestern Games

Every football player has a different way of getting ready for game day. For Northwestern running back Caleb Komolafe, that includes watching highlights of two pretty good running backs.

Komolafe recently revealed that he watches highlights of Melvin Gordon and Dalvin Cook before every game, giving him some inspiration before taking the field for the Wildcats.

Whether it is simply a pregame ritual or a way for Komolafe to study two successful running backs, those are certainly two good players to watch.

Gordon was one of the most dominant running backs in college football during his time at Wisconsin, while Cook put together multiple 1,000-yard seasons in the NFL.

It is always interesting to hear about the different routines players have before games. Some listen to certain music, others have specific meals or routines and Komolafe apparently likes to turn on highlights of two of the best college running backs of their generation.

Now, Northwestern will hope some of that inspiration translates into a big performance Friday night.

Komolafe is coming off a breakout 2025 season in which he rushed for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns on 190 carries. He became Northwestern’s first 900-yard rusher since Evan Hull in 2021 and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention.

The start to 2026 has been quieter.

Through three games, Komolafe has 27 carries for 102 yards and one touchdown. He has also contributed in the passing game with six receptions for 67 yards, giving him 169 total yards from scrimmage.

That does not mean Komolafe has played poorly.

Northwestern has used a deep running back rotation that also includes Joseph Himon II and Gavin Sawchuk, limiting the number of opportunities for any one running back. Komolafe has continued to do his job when called upon, but the Wildcats have yet to see one of the huge performances that became familiar during his breakout season.

His toughest game came against No. 5 Indiana, when Northwestern’s entire rushing attack struggled. Komolafe finished with six carries for seven yards as the Wildcats totaled only 53 rushing yards in the 29-23 loss. 

Sep 25, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Amare Ferrell (1) tackles Northwestern Wildcats running back Caleb Komolafe (5) during the first half at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Sep 25, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Amare Ferrell (1) tackles Northwestern Wildcats running back Caleb Komolafe (5) during the first half at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Friday night gives him another opportunity.

Northwestern will welcome Penn State for the first game at New Ryan Field, and establishing the running game could be important for taking pressure off quarterback Aidan Chiles and keeping the offense balanced.

Komolafe has already shown what he can do when he gets going.

Last season, he produced four games with at least 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. His 941 rushing yards ranked seventh among Big Ten players, while his 11 rushing touchdowns ranked eighth. 

The Wildcats have not needed him to carry the offense in the same way yet this season, especially with Chiles playing well and Chip Kelly having several options at running back.

But Komolafe’s ability has not disappeared and maybe watching a few Gordon and Cook highlights before kickoff is exactly what he needs to get going.

It will be interesting to see what Komolafe can produce Friday night when Northwestern opens New Ryan Field against Penn State.

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